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The United States Postal Service (USPS) implemented a widespread increase in its postal and shipping services rates on Saturday, July 13, with increases of up to 7.6% on some products.
The measure, announced since April and confirmed on its official page, aims to maintain the competitiveness of the organization and generate additional revenue to support its operations.
Increases in national and international mail rates
The new prices mainly affect traditional postal services. Among the most significant changes:
First-Class Mail Forever Stamp: from 73 to 78 cents
Letters with measured postage (1 oz.): from 69 to 74 cents
National postcards: from 56 to 61 cents
International postcards: from $1.65 to $1.70
International letters (1 oz.): from $1.65 to $1.70
Cost per additional ounce in letters: from 28 to 29 cents
In contrast to these increases, USPS announced a 12% decrease in the price of postal insurance for shipments, one of the few reductions implemented in this rate update.
Shipping costs are also higher
Package shipping services also experience increases, although at different rates:
Priority Mail: average increase of 6.3%
USPS Ground Advantage: 7.1% increase
Parcel Select: 7.6% increase
Priority Mail Express: no changes
According to the USPS, mail prices are adjusted based on the consumer price index, while shipping prices respond directly to market conditions.
Objective: to maintain competitiveness
The federal agency justified the measure as a necessity to balance its finances and adapt to the economic environment, asserting that the new prices will help provide a sustainable service without losing competitiveness against other courier companies.
Consumers can check the full list of new rates and perform updated postage calculations on the official USPS website.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Rates of the U.S. Postal Service and its Economic Context
Why did the U.S. Postal Service raise its rates?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has increased its rates to maintain competitiveness and generate additional revenue. This adjustment aims to balance the organization's finances and adapt to the current economic environment, where operating costs have risen. The rate increases reflect the need to sustain a viable service without losing competitiveness against other courier companies.
What are the new prices for national and international mail?
Among the most notable changes in postal rates are: the First-Class Mail Forever stamp increases from 73 to 78 cents, measuring mail letters (1 oz.) rise from 69 to 74 cents, domestic postcards go from 56 to 61 cents, and international postcards and letters (1 oz.) increase from $1.65 to $1.70. The cost for each additional ounce in letters rises from 28 to 29 cents. These changes reflect a widespread increase in the prices of both domestic and international postal services.
How will these changes affect e-commerce in the U.S.?
The USPS rate hike could raise shipping costs for products on e-commerce platforms. Additionally, the suspension of packages coming from China and Hong Kong further complicates the situation for companies in the U.S. that rely on Chinese products. The end of the "de minimis" exemption, which allowed low-cost packages to enter without tariffs, could also increase costs and delays in the delivery of popular products on platforms like Shein and Temu.
What other economic measures are affecting consumers in the U.S.?
The tariff policies of the Trump administration have led to price increases on various products. The imposition of tariffs on imported goods from China and other countries has raised the cost of essential items such as electronics, clothing, and non-perishable food. Additionally, a new tax on cash remittances will affect immigrants who send money abroad, particularly communities in states like Florida.
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